Card grading explained: PSA vs BGS vs CGC

PSA, BGS and CGC compared

The same card in the same condition often sells for more in a PSA case than in the others. That gap is the reason many sellers pay PSA's higher fees.

What card grading costs

Prices change often, so check each company's site before you send anything. As a guide for 2026:

• CGC and BGS economy services have run roughly $15 to $20 a card.
• PSA paused its cheaper value tiers in mid-2026, which pushed its entry price well above that.
• Faster service costs more at every company, from tens to hundreds of dollars a card.
• High-value cards cost more. Fees step up with the declared value of the card.

Add shipping both ways, insurance, and the wait. Standard service can take months.

Is your card worth grading?

Run this quick check before you pay anything.

1. Look up what the card sells for raw (ungraded) in its current condition.
2. Look up sold prices for the same card at the grade you honestly expect. Look at 9s, not only 10s.
3. Subtract the grading fee, shipping, and selling fees.
4. If what's left isn't clearly more than the raw price, don't grade it.

What graders look at

• Centering. Are the borders even, front and back?
• Corners. Sharp, with no whitening or rounding.
• Edges. Clean, with no chipping. Check the back.
• Surface. No scratches, print lines, dents or fingerprints. Tilt the card under a bright light.

Cards straight from a pack are not automatically a 10. Factory centering and print lines knock many fresh cards down to a 9 or lower.

How to submit cards for grading

1. Pick the company and service level that fit the card's value.
2. Wipe the surface gently with a clean microfiber cloth. Nothing else.
3. Put each card in a penny sleeve, then a semi-rigid card saver.
4. Fill out the submission form with the declared value of each card.
5. Ship with tracking and insurance.

Group submissions through a shop or service can lower the cost per card, and they let someone experienced pre-screen your cards so you don't pay to grade a 7.

Common questions

Is PSA, BGS or CGC better?

For resale value, PSA usually wins, because PSA 10s tend to sell for the most. BGS suits near-perfect cards chasing a top sub-grade result. CGC costs less and is a solid choice for personal collections and mid-value trading card game cards.

How much does it cost to grade a card?

It ranges from around $15 a card for economy service at some companies to hundreds for fast service on valuable cards. Prices change often, and PSA's cheapest tiers were paused in mid-2026, so check each company's current pricing.

How long does card grading take?

Anywhere from a few days for premium service to several months for standard service. Turnaround times change with demand, so check the grader's current estimate before you submit.

Is it worth grading Pokémon cards?

For valuable cards in excellent condition, often yes. For cheap or worn cards, almost never. Compare the raw price with sold prices at the grade you realistically expect, then subtract every fee.

Can I grade cards near me?

The major graders are mail-in, though they take submissions in person at some large card shows. Many card shops and services accept cards locally and send them in as part of a group submission.